C&A Insights Team
9 Common Reasons for Express Entry Application Rejection or Refusal
Here are 9 common reasons for Express Entry application rejection or refusal and ways how to avoid them.
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Federal Skilled Worker Program
Canadian Experience Class
SYNOPSIS OF EXPRESS ENTRY.
Express Entry is a system of selection for Canadian Immigration designed to select skilled workers for an express entry to Canada. It prioritizes candidates based on a points-based ranking system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the points system used in assessing and scoring immigrants’ Express Entry profiles. Through this point system, they would be able to rank the immigrants in the Express Entry pool based on their CRS score, which decides whether they will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
If you’re unsure of how to begin your immigration journey, our team offers a consultation service where we can evaluate your unique circumstances and recommend the most suitable immigration options for you. Our focus on personalized solutions ensures that every client receives the highest level of service and support throughout their immigration journey.
Free Guide to Express Entry.
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Frequently Asked Questions.
As of November 16, 2022, IRCC transitioned to the 2021 edition of the National Occupational Classification (NOC), superseding the 2016 version.
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This shift entails that the NOC 2016 classification, based on skill type and level structure (NOC 0, A, B, C, and D), has now been replaced with a new 6-category system.
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This new system is designed to reflect the training, education, experience, and responsibilities (TEER) necessary for specific occupations.
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The 4-digit occupation codes have been updated to 5-digit codes.
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The eligibility criteria for all programs utilizing the NOC have been revised in line with these changes.
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Amendments have been made to the questions in the Education History section of both the online profile and Express Entry application. Consequently, some applicants are experiencing issues when attempting to progress to the subsequent stage. Here's a quick fix:
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Start by accessing the 'Study and Languages' section in your profile, then navigate to the 'Education History' sub-section. At the bottom of the page, select the 'Modify' button.
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This will lead you to the details you've previously entered. To verify all fields have been correctly filled out, click on 'Check for Completeness' at the top of the form.
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If any field requires correction, a red error message will be displayed at the top, and the corresponding question will be highlighted in red. Simply fill in the required field(s) and then click 'Save and Exit'.
*Questions that require responses are highlighted in red.
Ensure that you repeat these steps for each entry in the section. If you have received an invitation to apply, make sure to also validate the 'Personal Activities' section.
To do this:
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Navigate to the 'Personal History' section of the web form.
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Open the 'Personal Activities' sub-section.
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Scroll down to the grid of saved entries, click 'Modify', and repeat the steps as outlined above for each entry.
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No. In the Express Entry system, the program qualification is determined based on the information provided in your profile.
If you qualify for multiple programs, the invitation to apply will be issued under one chosen by the system. You have the option to decline the invitation if it doesn't align with your preferred program.
However, it's important to note that declining does not guarantee another invitation under a different program.
IRCC acknowledges that obtaining police certificates involves unique procedures for certain countries. You can locate information specific to each country regarding police certificates on their website.
Applicants for the Express Entry profile will be required to disclose their available settlement funds intended for their stay in Canada. This procedure is to ensure self-sustenance for the applicant and their family members while in Canada and determines eligibility for various programs.
The need to meet the settlement fund requirement is contingent upon the specific program under which you are invited to apply.
For example, under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Federal Skilled Trades Program, applicants must meet this requirement unless they are legally allowed to work in Canada and have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
Proof of funds is mandated through:
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Official letters from banks or financial institutions
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Listing existing bank and investment accounts and outstanding debts
However, those invited under the Canadian Experience Class or those with a valid job offer are exempt from the funds requirement and may replace the proof of funds document with a letter of explanation.
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You can check your eligibility for various programs via the following procedure:
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Log into your account.
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Proceed to the "View the applications you submitted" section.
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select "Check full application status".
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Navigate to the subsection titled "What am I eligible for?".
This section contains a table listing all potential programs. Each program will have a status indicated under 'Details', denoting as 'met' or 'not met'. If the status reads 'met', you qualify for that particular program.-
Starting your job search in Canada can be facilitated through creating a Job Match account with Canada's Job Bank and promoting yourself to potential employers using private sector Job Boards. Both these resources can be used while you're in the Express Entry pool and can continue to be used once you move to Canada if you still need to find a job.
The Job Match account with Job Bank is a simple online tool designed to match you with employers seeking your skill set.
To create a Job Bank account:
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Navigate to the Job Match sign-in page, and click "Sign up now!"
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Follow the instructions to create an account, ensuring you have your Express Entry profile number and job seeker validation code handy.
Private-sector Job Boards are web services that post job vacancies and provide tools for job seekers. Some are available for free while others require a small fee, so it's advisable to research and select one that fits your needs.
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The increased number of potential immigrants, coupled with the improvements in Express Entry's language proficiency and education level, has led to a more competitive pool of applicants, further pushing up the scores.
The Express Entry comprises three distinct programs, each with its own eligibility criteria.
Learn if you are eligible for:
In Express Entry, it is crucial to meet the language proficiency requirements.
One of the acceptable tests for Express Entry is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Accepted IELTS:
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General Training option of IELTS.
Not Accepted:-
Academic option for Express Entry purposes.
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One Skill Retake version of the IELTS General Training test is not accepted either.
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After understanding the requirements and processes involved in the Express Entry system, you are now ready to begin the journey towards obtaining your Canadian permanent residency. Start creating your Express Entry profile here.
Among the three programs under Express Entry, only the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is evaluated based on a unique set of factors known as the Selection Factors.
Selection Factors of Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
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Language Skills - Maximum of 28 points
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Education - Maximum of 25 points
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Work Experience - Maximum of 15 points
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Age - Maximum of 12 points
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Arranged Employment - Maximum of 10 points
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Adaptability - Maximum of 10 points
For a more detailed score for Express Entry, calculate your CRS score here.
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If your profile was deemed ineligible, updating it won't be possible. You must create a new Express Entry profile.
Therefore, ensure that your profile is accurately completed before submission.
However, for eligible profiles, updates can be made post-submission by following these steps:
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From your account's main page, navigate to "View the applications you submitted".
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Click on "Check full application status".
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On the "Express Entry profile status" page, select "View your profile" under "Your Express Entry profile status".
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On the "Express Entry profile" page, click the "Update form" button for the section you'd like to modify. If only the "View form" is displayed, your profile has been deemed ineligible and a new one must be submitted.
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Perform necessary changes and click "Save and exit" at the bottom.
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After updating, click "Continue" at the bottom and follow the given instructions to submit your updated profile.
Note: The "Revert changes" button appears each time a form is accessed and "Save and exit" is clicked, regardless of whether modifications were made.
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If your destination in Canada is the province of Quebec, your immigration process will be different.
Quebec has its own immigration rules and selects its own immigrants. Instead of applying through the federal Express Entry system, you will need to apply directly to the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion du Québec (MIDI).
Once you have been selected by Quebec, you will receive a Quebec Selection Certificate, after which you must apply for permanent residence from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
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